Campsite Sniper
Virginia · Recreation.gov

Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (VA)

38.5284° N / 78.4383° W · Data Nov 2 2026, checked hourly
Next open date Nov 2Next open weekend Nov 7463 detected openings this week215 monitored sites

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Every site at Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (VA), colored by availability across the tracked window. Tap a site for its calendar.
Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (VA)

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Booking reality
Campsite Sniper detected 463 site openings here in the last 7 days
Set a free alert →
01 · Detected Opening History · the openings record · file CS-232459

When Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (VA) reopens

Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (VA)'s openings record: every site-date Campsite Sniper detected turning available, logged and time-stamped. Refreshed hourly.
Openings · last 7 days
463
Openings · last 30 days
1,793
Openings · last 90 days
3,147

Weekday pattern

Detected openings by day of week · 90d
0100200300400500600475451519505422288487MONTUEWEDTHUFRISATSUNOPENINGS RECORDED · LAST 90 DAYS · N = 3,147

No strong weekday pattern is evident in the openings Campsite Sniper has detected: 3,147 openings spread across the week.

Hour-of-day pattern

First detected by hour · local time · last 90 days
04008001,2001,6001,323000408121620HOUR OF DAY (24H) · ET · LAST 90 DAYS

The largest concentrations of detected openings were first detected during the 08:00 and 10:00 local-time hours. Those hours contained 1,506 of 3,147 detected openings (47.9%). Hours show when Campsite Sniper first detected each opening, in Eastern Time, not when the change was made upstream.

Lead-time profile

Days before stay date · percentiles
P25 · 4DMEDIAN · 7 DAYS OUTP75 · 14D0306090120150180DAYS BEFORE STAY DATE

Half of the openings Campsite Sniper detected appeared at least 7 days before the stay date; the middle 50% land 4–14 days out. Set an alert if you want Campsite Sniper to monitor future openings.

Highest-churn sites

Most openings · 90d
SiteOpeningsShare of all openings
C129  471.5%
C122  461.5%
C132  461.5%
C137  431.4%
C140  431.4%

Site C129 had the most detected openings in the last 90 days: 47. One free watch covers every site here.

02 · Availability Outlook · Nov 2 – Nov 29, 2026 · of 215 monitored sites

Of the 6,020 tracked site-nights (Nov 2 – Nov 29, 2026): 4,153 open for online reservation · 1,849 reserved · 18 closed.

Where the open windows are

31% of tracked site-nights are not currently open for online reservation. 4,153 of 6,020 remain open; here is where they are.

Load status

Nov 2 – Nov 29, 2026
Not open online31%
Open site-nights4,153 / 6,020
Reserved (of online inventory)1,849 / 6,002
Weekday openings2,672
Weekend openings1,481

Of the open site-nights on mapped sites, 2,672 fall on weekdays and 1,481 on weekends (Fri–Sun).

Open dates by month

Nov 2026 – Nov 2026
02,0004,0006,0004,153NOVSOLID = OPEN SITE-NIGHTS · DASHED OUTLINE = TOTAL BOOKABLE

November holds the most room. 4,153 of 6,020 site-nights are still open there.

Holiday windows

Sites open per night · of 215 sites
WindowNightSites openStatus
ThanksgivingTHU Nov 26189Open
FRI Nov 27170Open
SAT Nov 28181Open

Thanksgiving: 165 sites are available for the complete three-night stay.

Best-availability sites

Most open site-nights · tracked window
SiteOpen site-nights
I222  27
I228  27
004  26
006  26
007  26

The 5 sites with the most open site-nights in the current snapshot. Pair a bookable date with a free alert to cover everything else.

Next windows

As of Nov 2, 2026 snapshot
Next open dateMon · Nov 2
Next open weekendSat · Nov 7

The next bookable night is Nov 2; the first open weekend starts Nov 7. Campsite Sniper can watch later dates for you.

Stays and site detail

4,153 open site-nights across 215 sites at Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (VA), from the same hourly snapshot as everything above.

Multi-night stays. 593 2-night, 510 3-night, 173 7-night openings where a single site is free for every night, per Campsite Sniper's current snapshot — soonest Nov 2 at site 006.

RV length. Longest recorded site here is 85 ft. 143 sites take 25 ft, 58 sites take 35 ft, 31 sites take 40 ft. 50 sites of 215 have no recorded maximum and are not counted.

Showing 60 of 215 sites with current availability
SiteMax RVHookupsOpen site-nightsLongest runDates
I22227 ftNone2723 nightsNov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 7, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 13, Nov 14 +15 more
I22825 ftNone2723 nightsNov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 7, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 13, Nov 14 +15 more
004Not recordedNone2623 nightsNov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 7, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 13, Nov 14, Nov 15 +14 more
006Not recordedNone2622 nightsNov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 13, Nov 14, Nov 15 +14 more
007Not recordedNone2623 nightsNov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 7, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 13, Nov 14, Nov 15 +14 more
I21920 ftNone2622 nightsNov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 13, Nov 14, Nov 15 +14 more
I22021 ftNone2622 nightsNov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 13, Nov 14, Nov 15 +14 more
I22417 ftNone2622 nightsNov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 13, Nov 14, Nov 15 +14 more
005Not recordedNone2522 nightsNov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 13, Nov 14, Nov 15, Nov 16 +13 more
B11325 ftNone2515 nightsNov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 13, Nov 15, Nov 16 +13 more
C12233 ftNone2522 nightsNov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 13, Nov 14, Nov 15, Nov 16 +13 more
C13325 ftNone2522 nightsNov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 13, Nov 14, Nov 15, Nov 16 +13 more
D16131 ftNone2516 nightsNov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 14, Nov 15, Nov 16 +13 more
I22630 ftNone2522 nightsNov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 13, Nov 14, Nov 15, Nov 16 +13 more
016Not recordedNone2415 nightsNov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17 +12 more
033Not recordedNone2415 nightsNov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17 +12 more
051Not recordedNone2415 nightsNov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17 +12 more
A06339 ftNone2415 nightsNov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17 +12 more
B11144 ftNone2415 nightsNov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17 +12 more
B11830 ftNone2415 nightsNov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17 +12 more
C12435 ftNone2415 nightsNov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17 +12 more
C12728 ftNone2415 nightsNov 2, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 13, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17 +12 more
C13034 ftNone2416 nightsNov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 14, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17 +12 more
C13431 ftNone2418 nightsNov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 12, Nov 13, Nov 14, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17 +12 more
C13531 ftNone2415 nightsNov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17 +12 more
D14325 ftNone2415 nightsNov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 13, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17 +12 more
D14524 ftNone2415 nightsNov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17 +12 more
D15130 ftNone2415 nightsNov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17 +12 more
D15327 ftNone2416 nightsNov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 14, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17 +12 more
D15731 ftNone2416 nightsNov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 14, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17 +12 more
D15824 ftNone2415 nightsNov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17 +12 more
I23023 ftNone2422 nightsNov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 13, Nov 14, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17 +12 more
011Not recordedNone239 nightsNov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17 +11 more
015Not recordedNone2315 nightsNov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17, Nov 18 +11 more
031Not recordedNone2315 nightsNov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17, Nov 18 +11 more
050Not recordedNone2315 nightsNov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17, Nov 18 +11 more
052Not recordedNone2315 nightsNov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17, Nov 18 +11 more
A07224 ftNone2315 nightsNov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17, Nov 18 +11 more
A07738 ftNone2315 nightsNov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17, Nov 18 +11 more
A09332 ftNone2315 nightsNov 3, Nov 4, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 13, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17, Nov 18 +11 more
B11538 ftNone238 nightsNov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 13, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17 +11 more
B11934 ftNone2315 nightsNov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17, Nov 18 +11 more
C12932 ftNone2316 nightsNov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 14, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17, Nov 18 +11 more
C13737 ftNone2322 nightsNov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 13, Nov 14, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17, Nov 18 +11 more
C14130 ftNone2315 nightsNov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17, Nov 18 +11 more
E18620 ftNone2315 nightsNov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17, Nov 18 +11 more
F19940 ftNone2315 nightsNov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17, Nov 18 +11 more
G20745 ftNone2315 nightsNov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 13, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17, Nov 18 +11 more
I22570 ftNone2322 nightsNov 3, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 13, Nov 14, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17, Nov 18 +11 more
I23150 ftNone2322 nightsNov 4, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 13, Nov 14, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17, Nov 18 +11 more
014Not recordedNone228 nightsNov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17, Nov 18 +10 more
018Not recordedNone2215 nightsNov 2, Nov 3, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17, Nov 18, Nov 19 +10 more
020Not recordedNone2216 nightsNov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 14, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17, Nov 18, Nov 19 +10 more
022Not recordedNone2215 nightsNov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 13, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17, Nov 18, Nov 19 +10 more
035Not recordedNone228 nightsNov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17 +10 more
042Not recordedNone2215 nightsNov 3, Nov 4, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17, Nov 18, Nov 19 +10 more
A06230 ftNone2213 nightsNov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17, Nov 18 +10 more
A07035 ftNone228 nightsNov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17, Nov 18 +10 more
A08630 ftNone2215 nightsNov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17, Nov 18, Nov 19 +10 more
A10231 ftNone226 nightsNov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 13, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17 +10 more

About Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (VA)

Overview

Secluded in the thick trees and rolling hills of Shenandoah National Park, the Big Meadows Campground is the ideal spot for an outdoor family getaway.

Recreation

Shenandoah National Park has over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Some trails lead to a waterfall or viewpoint while others wind deep into the forest and wilderness.

Big Meadows is near many of the major facilities and popular hiking trails in the park. Three waterfalls are within walking distance, and the Meadow, with its abundant plant growth and wildlife, is an ideal nearby attraction.

Wildlife viewing is also a popular pastime, with black bears, wild turkey, deer, birds and countless other animals thriving in the park.

The campground is also located right off the famous Skyline Drive, which runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Stunning views are visible from any of the 75 scenic overlooks.

Facilities

This expansive campground offers more than 200 campsites, including sites that can accommodate larger groups. Picnic areas are provided, as well as conveniences like flush toilets, showers and a dump station which creates a comfortable camping experience. There is limited WIFI access at the Byrd Visitor Center and Big Meadows Lodge. Cell phone reception is available at the Amphitheather.

Natural Features

Shenandoah National Park spans 300 square miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the southern Appalachians. The park rises above the Virginia Piedmont to its east and the Shenandoah Valley to its west.

The scenery at Big Meadows Campground never disappoints, with a stunning array of colors in the fall and a blanket of bright wildflowers in the spring. This green and shady campground is a wilderness paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

Nearby Attractions

Two visitor centers with bookstores and exhibits are located in the park (milepost 5 and milepost 51). Byrd Visitor Center is a short one mile walk by either trail or sidewalk if you choose not to drive. There are concession managed restaurants, gift shops and lodging facilities scattered throughout the park. Big Meadows Lodge and Restaurant is a 5 minute walk from the campground and Big Meadows Wayside is located beside Byrd Visitor Center.

215 monitored sitesRVs up to 85 ftNo hookups173 shadedPets OKFire pitsMax party 15

Getting there

Do NOT attempt to use the Tanners Ridge Road to access Big Meadows Campground. The Tanners Ridge Road does not provide entrance to Skyline Drive and does not provide access to Big Meadows Campground. Program your GPS to one of the four park entrance stations at Front Royal Entrance Station, Thornton Gap Entrance Station, Swift Run Entrance Station, or Rockfish Gap Entrance Station. From Washington, D.C., metro area, travel west on Interstate 66 to exit 43A. Take US Highway 29 south to Warrenton, Virginia, then merge onto US Highway 211 west to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive Thornton Gap Entrance. Take Skyline Drive south approximately 19 miles and turn right into the Big Meadows area. Follow the signs to Big Meadows Campground. From Richmond, Virginia area, travel west on Interstate 64 to exit 136 for Zion Crossroads, Virginia. Take exit to US Highway 15 North, then turn onto US Highway 33 west and follow 28 miles to the Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive, Swift Run Gap Entrance. Take Skyline Drive North approximately 15 miles and turn left into the Big Meadows area. Follow the signs to Big Meadows Campground.

Shenandoah National Park Headquarters, 3655 U.S. Highway 211 East, Luray, VA 22835540-999-3500 X 3747
BackpackingBerry PickingBikingBirdingCampingDay Use AreaEvening ProgramsGuided Interpretive WalksHikingHistoric & Cultural SiteInformation SiteInterpretive ProgramsScenic DriveStar GazingVisitor CenterWildlife Viewing

View on Recreation.gov ↗   Get directions ↗

FAQ

How do I get a reservation at Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (VA)?

Reservations for Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (VA) are made through Recreation.gov. 4,153 of 6,020 tracked site-nights are currently open (69%). Campsite Sniper has also detected 3,147 site openings here in the last 90 days, so further dates may appear. Pick a site on the map to see its calendar, or set a free Campsite Sniper alert. You complete the reservation yourself on Recreation.gov.

Does Campsite Sniper book this campground for me?

No. Campsite Sniper sends alerts and direct Recreation.gov links. It never books, pays for, holds, hoards, or resells reservations.

How current is this availability data?

Campsite Sniper re-checks public Recreation.gov availability for this facility every hour and republishes whenever anything changes. This facility's data last changed at Nov 2, 2026 20:17 UTC; an older timestamp means nothing has changed since that time, not that checking stopped. Always confirm final availability on Recreation.gov when you book.

How often do new openings appear at Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (VA)?

Campsite Sniper detected 463 site-date openings at Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (VA) in the last 7 days, 1,793 over 30 days and 3,147 over the last 90.

Can I get a multi-night stay at Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (VA)?

510 three-night openings are showing, counting only runs where the SAME site is free for all three nights. The soonest starts Nov 2 at site 006. Confirm and book on Recreation.gov.

Which sites at Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (VA) fit a 35-foot RV?

58 of the 215 sites that support RV analysis have a recorded maximum of 35 ft or more; the longest recorded is 85 ft. 165 of those 215 sites have a recorded maximum length and 50 do not; they are not counted as fitting.

Which month has the most availability at Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (VA)?

November 2026, with 4,153 open site-nights in the current snapshot of 6,020.

How far ahead of a stay do openings appear at Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (VA)?

Half of the openings Campsite Sniper detected appeared at least 7 days before the stay date; the middle 50% landed 4-14 days out. Campsite Sniper can monitor future changes for dates you select.

When is the next open date at Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (VA)?

As of the Nov 2, 2026 snapshot: the next open date is Mon, Nov 2 and the next open weekend starts Sat, Nov 7. Detected openings can add earlier dates at any time; a free Campsite Sniper alert catches those the moment they appear.

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